FAU’s baseball team has been enjoying an impressive spike in the win column over the past few weeks, coming out victorious in 16 of its last 26 games, and a large part of that is due to junior first baseman Dan Scheffler.
As the Owls battle for first place in the Sun Belt Conference, Scheffler has become a leader in almost all major offensive categories. Scheffler currently leads the team with 53 runs, 14 home runs, 57 runs batted in (RBIs) and a .507 on-base percentage. He’s also second-best in batting average, hitting .393.
“He has far exceeded any expectations we have had offensively,” said head coach John McCormack. “His ability to continually get the big hit, walk and on-base percentage is off the roof and has continued to impress me. I don’t know where we would be without him.”
Coming off the disabled list from a shoulder injury just before the season began, Scheffler has become a crucial asset to the Owls offense. His teammates, especially the freshmen, look to him as an example.
“He brings a lot of energy to the team,” said outfielder Andy Mee. “He is definitely one of the louder voices. Everyone looks up to him.”
Scheffler and Mee have been good friends since they were 12, and Scheffler looks up to his childhood friend, citing that he has been his source of motivation throughout the season.
“He’s been a great baseball player since I’ve known him,” said Scheffler.
Off the diamond, you can always count on Scheffler for a good laugh. His friendly personality makes him easy to get along with, and his teammates love having him around. But Scheffler knows when it’s time to joke and when it’s time to put on his game face.
“He’s a hard worker, and works hard in the [batting] cage,” said Mee. “Off the field, he’s hilarious and makes everyone laugh. He’s an overall great guy.”
Scheffler is a criminal justice major, but he aspires to become a professional baseball player and make a name for himself in the major league. If that doesn’t work out, becoming a fireman is among his career aspirations.
But for now, Scheffler is solely focused on helping the Owls in the postseason, and putting up numbers similar to the ones he’s posting now will only help FAU’s chances of making a deep run.
